Yep, that's the tennis medical term of the day and what has forced Australia's Alicia Molik to pull out of the French Open.  In layman's terms vestibular neuronitis is a virus that attacks the inner ear and causes all sorts of balance difficulties, clearly a problem for a tennis player.

"She has decided there was just not much point pushing herself to be ready on the clay when she really needs to rest.  She's better off here under the watchful eye of the doctor and now she's probably going to lay low for a good few days and get that rest she needs," said Molik's manager. 

Molik discussed  the problem last week on Australian radio.  "Every time I do just a little bit of exercise I'm really exhausted and my head is spinning.  I've done a bit in the gym but I haven't even been able to get on the court."

Comments

As a recent sufferer of Vestibular Neuronitis, I pose this question. What physiotherapy is Alicia undertaking? I have total nerve loss in the left ear. My specialist says the brain will re-train itself to bring my balance back. I have some days where I feel nearly OK, but other days where I just sit still or walk around with a very rigid back and have to turn my whole body to look to the side. I would like some safe exercises to do for a quicker recovery.It has been nearly six weeks since my first attack, resulting in collapsing in my driveway.

You've got me on that one. The articles about Alicia's condition do mention her doing exercises to retrain her brain so they must exist, but they don't specifically say what they are.

Maybe you can ask this person at this address.

http://www.schulerlab.com/cgi-bin/ex/config.pl?frames=n;read=30401&expand=1

"5. I must continue with my vestibule exercises(balance, co-ordination, and etc)and retrain my brain to compensate and work through the disability/weakened areas. There is no other cure. "

Hi Alicia . I have been trying to find you since you came out about your Vestibular Neuritis - I am 16 years old and I also suffer from vestibular neuritis and probably do the same exercises as you and I see a fantastic chiropractic neurologist in Melbourne who helps me a lot and has shown me how to live again - I understand what you are going through and you are my inspiration in helping me to recover - you are so brave - I would love to be able to talk to you as you are the only other person I know with this horrible illness - you feel so alone and think it is only you . I hope we can chat soon

From Gemma

My email address has changed - sorry thoought that you may have tried to respond to me at the old address - thanks Gemma

Hi Alicia I was diagnosed with this horrible illness three months ago, however I have suffered from it since March, well that is what my ENT specialists has said. I am ok when not tired or stressed and yes the fatigue and brain fog was horrible at first. Busy and very well lit areas throw my balance more than anything else. My natrupath has done wonders for me and at times i would say i am about 80%better then at other times i can feel horrible again.

I learn to smile when if get an attack of the "wobbles" and try not to let it worry me. Sitting down makes it go away for me so i am lucky there. Take care support from family and friends has made a huge difference to coping with it. :)